1979 MG Midget

Faced with falling horsepower due to U.S. emissions regulations, British Leyland fitted the final MG Midget Mk IV with the 1493cc Triumph Spitfire engine in 1974. The car was simultaneously raised, and gained huge rubber safety bumpers at both ends to meet US crash regulations. The bumpers added 200 pounds to the kerb weight, which the car could ill-afford, and performance of the Mk IV is less than earlier versions of the car. British versions retained twin SUs and with 71 bhp, they could manage 98 mph. But the handling of both versions was seriously compromised.

Even though purchase prices had increased by almost 30 percent from 1972-1977, sales lingered on until 1979, when the last Midget left the factory. Some cars went unsold that year and were registered as 1980 models. The Mk IV closed the 20-year run for the car; not with a bang but a whimper, when the 73,899th Mk IV left the factory.

Good examples of Mk IV Midgets can still be found at the backs of garages in better neighbourhoods, where they were a popular second car for sunny days, but time has not been kind to those living on the streets. Finding bone stock rubber-bumper cars is becoming increasingly difficult as many owners have opted to rebuild their Midgets with chrome bumpers from earlier cars, and lowered the suspension to its correct height. Make sure you know what you are buying.

As always, be sensitive to rust and check the front suspension is stiff, without having tube shocks fitted. The lever shocks are also on the top a-arms and if they’ve failed, the suspension bushings are worn out too. First gear should be quiet, which is uncommon in most cars now. Prices for the MG Midget Mk IV are remarkably cheap, and the cars represent one of the most economical ways to get into vintage motoring.